Swedish Foreign Ministry: 2 Swedish hostages released in Syria

HELSINKI – Sweden says that two of its nationals, held hostage in Syria, have been released and are reunited with their families.

The Swedish Foreign Ministry in Stockholm says in a statement it worked closely with several authorities and were particularly grateful to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, who was "crucial" in the release.

It also singled out Jordan as helping in the releases.

Ministry officials on Saturday did not identify the hostages or say when or where they were released.

They also declined to say where the Swedes had been held or for how long, or give further information.